That last line had did it. Harry's temper shot through the roof. Few things affect him these days, and they finally hit one of them.
"That's enough! End of discussion! Now, do you guys want to eat or shall I go alone!?!" he shouted, not worried about waking anyone else up and motioning toward the door.
"You need to talk about it Harry!" Hermione yelled, unmoved by his temper.
"See you later," he said, keeping his voice even.
He turned and walked out the portrait hole, without another word. He did not go down to the breakfast. Instead, he hid behind the statue of Lachen the Lanky by the portrait entrance and waited for Ron and Hermione to leave. He was breathing hard. He did not want to talk about it. Why couldn't they get that? Fortunately, they did not take long. He could hear them arguing as they passed.
"Ron, he's just angry and depressed, it isn't a good combination. He'll calm down eventually," Hermione said, stepping through the portrait.
"But when?" Ron said, nervously.
"Maybe when you try talking to him, too! You just sit back and let me handle all of his problems!" Hermione snapped.
"They are his problems, though, maybe..." Ron started.
"Ron! Look what happened this summer when he was just left to deal with 'his problems'! He starved himself and got beat up for more than the reason he gave us! Now, I can't do this on my own!" Hermione half-shouted, clearly not worried about upsetting Filch, who could turn up at any moment.
"Well, you're good at it..." Ron said, slowly as his voice trembled.
"Yeah, but he is quite use to me telling him what to do. You are his best friend and you don't talk to him. He needs you to help him whether he wants you to or not!" she said exasperated.
"Alright, alright! Let's just go meet up with him first," Ron resigned.
As their footsteps faded away, Harry left his hiding place and went up to get his books for the rest of the day. If Ron and Hermione started up again, he could just take off. He met up with them in Care of Magical Creatures. Ron spoke first.
"Harry, calm down," he said, trying to avoid another row.
"I am calm," Harry said.
"Ok, you don't have to talk about it," Hermione started.
"I know I don't," Harry said, bluntly.
"Good, so you aren't gonna run off now, are you?" Ron said.
"No," he said, shortly.
"Ok. Let's see what deadly new surprises Hagrid has in store for us today!" Ron said trying to break the tension.
"Yeah, let's hope Hagrid can actually handle it," Harry said, doubtfully.
"And that it isn't anything illegal," Hermione piped in.
Hagrid actually planned a wonderful (non-violent) class for them. He brought several different kinds of birds, including Fawkes, Dumbledore's loyal phoenix. Hagrid showed how to correctly handle and feed them, as well as explain their uses. The class was murmuring good things when they left.
Defense Against the Dark Arts was as challenging as before. Harry figured it would not be too long until they learn how to kill, though they did try mind control on some larger animals. Ironically, in Transfiguration, they worked on conjuring animals as well. The day slipped by slowly, and Harry was exhausted from lack of sleep. He figured Ron and Hermione had come to an agreement not to talk to him right away about it, and Harry was grateful for it. It made it a lot easier.

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HP 6 - A different Half-Blood Prince
FanfictionSomeone is at Hogwarts, trying to bring Harry to Voldemort. Is it Draco Malfoy? Or a new follower of Voldemort? Harry struggles with coming to terms with his destiny and losing Sirius. He pushes his friends away, but they don't let him. Harry finds...
Chapter 12 - Ravenclaw Match
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